Squares

Venice can also be considered the city where there is only one big square while others are called “campi”. Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, is one of the most worldwide famous square in the word. The square is surrounded by the colored Basilica, the magnificent Palazzo dei Dogi and Procuratie that, in the past, were the seat of the most important offices of Serenissima. In the 9^th Century the piazza was just a small area in front of the Basilica. Later it was enlarged while, in the 13^th century, it was paved with bricks for the first time. In 1723 bricks were replaced and a more intricate geometrical design was made. There are also other places that are not piazza but all of them are worth a visit. Most of them still preserve the well in their central part. Before being paved, these places were covered by soil and often cultivated. In fact the original name of campo means field. The most famous “campi” are: Campo San Polo, Campo Santa Margherita and Campo San Luca.

The first one was paved just in the 1493 becoming an important place for markets but less important then Rialto’s market. Campo Santa Margherita with its small market and many cafes all around, can be considered the most gay square of Venice. It is the meeting point for young people and students of the University. Campo San Luca is a small square that is the cross-point of various calle that come from different and important directions, Accademia, San Marco, Rialto. Campi for the Venetians are really important because they are places where they are used to meet.